Growth will be driven by an accelerating economy, more business establishments, and by significant pent-up demand for automated floor cleaning equipment.

US demand to rise 2.2% annually through 2019

US demand for janitorial equipment and supplies is forecast to increase 2.2 percent per year through 2019 to $7.1 billion, continuing the recovery that began in the latter part of the 2009-2014 period. Significant pent-up demand for automated floor cleaning equipment will drive advances. After initially falling in 2008 and 2009, sales of most types of automated floor cleaning equipment have only recently returned to more substantial growth. Sales in this category remained below pre-recession highs as of 2014, but will again approach or exceed those levels by 2019.

In general, gains for janitorial equipment and supplies will be driven by accelerating economic growth -- which will increase activity in buildings and boost daily cleaning requirements -- and by factors such as a rising number of business establishments and gains in nonresidential floor space. Improved economic conditions will also support a return to increased levels of cleaning (e.g., more frequent changing of waste can liners) and greater sales of related products. Heightened interest in sustainable and environmentally friendly cleaning practices will buoy demand for products that limit water or chemical consumption. Concerns about the risk of cross-contamination and employee injury will drive sales of products with advanced features and improved ergonomic designs. Sales will be further fueled by rising interest in replacing older, noisy equipment with quieter products appropriate for use in increasingly popular daytime cleaning applications or in noise-sensitive environments.

Automated floor cleaning equipment to lead gains

Automated floor cleaning equipment is forecast to post the fastest and largest gains as the segment continues to recover from its extended downturn. Sales of specialty items and those used on hard surface floors will particularly benefit as janitorial budgets expand. Most other types of janitorial equipment and supplies are lower-cost and sometimes disposable items that saw recoveries earlier in the 2009-2014 period, so gains going forward will lag those of automated floor cleaning equipment.

Institutions, office buildings to pace markets

Institutional and office buildings will record the fastest market gains through 2019. The institutional market will be driven by growth in institutional floor space and in the number of healthcare establishments. Elevated sanitary standards in these establishments will further support demand for higher-value janitorial products. The office building market will primarily be driven by ongoing changes in cleanliness standards, more daytime cleaning, and the rebound in automated floor cleaning equipment.